Information Processing Apparatus

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-052318 filed March 26, 2025, Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-050661 filed March 25, 2025, Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-050774 filed March 25, 2025, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-024507 filed February 18, 2025.

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus.

JP2010-73014A discloses an information processing apparatus that executes predetermined processing configured with a plurality of steps on a file, and includes creation means for creating an independent progress bar for each step, and drawing means for drawing the progress bar created by the creation means on a screen, in which the drawing means draws the progress bars of different steps to be arranged in a predetermined direction.

In a medium measuring device that measures a physical property of a recording medium, a measuring time may change depending on the measured physical property of the recording medium. Thus, depending on how progress status of the measurement is displayed, a user may misunderstand that an abnormality has occurred during the measurement.

Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an information processing apparatus that displays a progress while reducing misunderstanding of a user.

Aspects of certain non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure overcome the above disadvantages and/or other disadvantages not described above. However, aspects of the non-limiting embodiments are not required to overcome the disadvantages described above, and aspects of the non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure may not overcome any of the disadvantages described above.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus including a processor configured to execute a control of displaying pseudo progress status related to measurement of a recording medium by a medium measuring device regardless of actual progress of measurement of the recording medium by the medium measuring device, and a control of displaying, then, progress status in accordance with actual measurement status of the medium measuring device.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing an information group creation systemof a medium to which the present exemplary embodiment is applied.

1 10 30 50 10 30 50 90 The information group creation systemof a medium according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a printing apparatus, a medium measuring device, and a server apparatus. The printing apparatus, the medium measuring device, and the server apparatusare connected via a network.

10 Here, a medium information group is information in which a characteristic of a recording medium and a printing parameter for controlling printing on the recording medium are stored in association with each other. A user instructs the printing apparatusto perform the printing on the recording medium using the medium information group.

10 10 The printing apparatusis, for example, a so-called production printer used for printing for office use. The production printer has a function of executing high-speed printing processing with high image quality, compared to a printer for home use. The printing apparatusis not limited to the production printer and may be a printer for business use, a printer for home use, or the like.

10 11 12 13 14 15 10 100 10 The printing apparatusincludes a feeding unit, a printing unit, a post-processing unit, a display and operation unit, and an environment sensor. The printing apparatusincludes a control unitthat controls the whole printing apparatus.

11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 1 FIG. The feeding unitfeeds a recording medium on which the printing is performed. The feeding unitincludes a plurality of feeding traysA,B, andC for accommodating each type of recording media to be fed. In the example illustrated in, the feeding unitincludes two feeding traysA, two feeding traysB, and two feeding traysC. Each of the feeding traysA toC can feed recording media having different sizes or the same size.

12 The printing unitmay use not only an electrophotographic method of fixing and forming an image by transferring toner clinging to a charged and exposed photoconductor to a recording material but also, for example, an ink jet method of forming an image by ejecting ink onto a recording material.

13 12 13 The post-processing unitperforms various types of post-processing on the recording medium on which the printing is performed by the printing unit. The post-processing unitis provided with, for example, processing of discharging printed matters of the same page as a unit by changing positions (that is, stack processing), staple processing of stapling a plurality of sheets of recording media, and processing of binding a plurality of sheets of recording media with an adhesive tape.

14 14 The display and operation unitis an interface that displays various images for operation and various types of information for notifying a user and receives operations of the user. The display and operation unitincludes, for example, an input unit such as a button for operation or a touch sensor that detects an operation performed with a fingertip of the user, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electro-luminescent (EL) display.

15 10 15 15 10 11 15 10 1 FIG. The environment sensormeasures a state of an environment in which the printing apparatusis installed. The environment sensorincludes, for example, a thermometer and a hygrometer. In the example illustrated in, the environment sensoris disposed inside the printing apparatusand is disposed near the feeding unit. The environment sensormay be disposed outside the printing apparatus.

30 30 31 32 30 10 10 11 11 10 The medium measuring deviceis an example of a medium measuring device that measures a recording medium. The medium measuring deviceincludes a housingincluding a sensor for measuring the recording medium, and a gapfor inserting the recording medium, and is configured to be compact and incorporate a box. The medium measuring devicemay be provided inside the printing apparatus. For example, the sensor for measuring the recording medium may be provided on a transport path for transporting the recording medium in the printing apparatusand measure the recording medium while the recording medium is transported. Alternatively, for example, sensors may be provided in the feeding traysA toC of the printing apparatus, and the recording media accommodated in the feeding trays may be measured.

50 50 The server apparatusfunctions as a database that stores a plurality of medium information groups. In the medium information group, the characteristic of the recording medium and the printing parameter for performing the printing are stored in association with each other. The server apparatusis an example of an information processing apparatus. The printing parameter is an example of control information for controlling the printing.

2 FIG. 100 10 50 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the control unitof the printing apparatusand an example of a hardware configuration of the server apparatus.

100 10 101 102 103 104 105 106 The control unitof the printing apparatusincludes a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), an information storage device, a network interface, and a signal line.

101 10 101 10 102 101 103 101 10 104 105 90 100 106 1 FIG. The CPUcontrols the whole printing apparatusas an example of a processor. In a case where a control program is executed by the CPU, each functional unit of the printing apparatusis controlled. The RAMis used as a work area in a case where the CPUperforms calculation. The ROMis a memory in which various programs and the like executed by the CPUare recorded. The information storage device 104 stores various settings used for controlling the printing apparatus, image information used for the printing, and the like. A hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor memory, or the like can be used as the information storage device. The network interfacetransmits and receives data via the network(see). Each unit of the control unitis connected via a bus or the signal line.

50 100 10 50 51 52 53, 54 55 56 51 50 51 50 52 51 53 51 As a hardware configuration of the server apparatus, for example, the same hardware configuration as the control unitof the printing apparatuscan be used. The server apparatusincludes a CPU, a RAM, a ROMan information storage device, a network interface, and a signal line. The CPUcontrols the server apparatusas an example of a processor. In a case where a control program is executed by the CPU, each functional unit of the server apparatusis controlled. The RAMis used as a work area in a case where the CPUperforms calculation. The ROMis a memory in which various programs and the like executed by the CPUare recorded.

54 50 54 54 The information storage devicestores a trained machine learning model used for information processing via the server apparatus, various settings used for calculation control, the medium information group, and the like. A hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor memory, or the like can be used as the information storage device. The information storage devicestores, for example, the medium information group.

55 10 30 90 1 FIG. The network interfacetransmits and receives data to and from the printing apparatusand the medium measuring devicevia the network(see).

50 56 Each unit of the server apparatusis connected via a bus or the signal line.

3 FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the medium measuring device.

30 301 302 303 304 305 310 The medium measuring deviceincludes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a network interface, a bus, and a sensor unit.

301 30 301 30 302 301 303 301 The CPUcontrols the whole medium measuring deviceas an example of a processor. In a case where a control program is executed by the CPU, each functional unit of the medium measuring deviceis controlled. The RAMis used as a work area in a case where the CPUperforms calculation. The ROMis a memory in which various programs and the like executed by the CPUare recorded.

304 310 50 90 1 FIG. 1 FIG. The network interfacetransmits measurement values measured by various sensors of the sensor unit(described later) to the server apparatus(see) via the network(see).

310 310 310 311 312 313 314 315 The sensor unitincludes a sensor that measures a physical property of the recording medium. Types and the number of sensors included in the sensor unitare not particularly limited. In the illustrated example, the sensor unitincludes an ultrasonic sensor, an electrical resistance sensor, a reflective sensor, a transmissive sensor, and an RGB sensor.

311 The ultrasonic sensorgenerates an ultrasonic wave having a predetermined intensity from one side of the recording medium in a thickness direction to the recording medium, and measures the intensity of the ultrasonic wave on the other side of the recording medium in the thickness direction.

312 312 312 The electrical resistance sensormeasures electrical resistance of the recording medium by causing a microcurrent to flow through the recording medium. The electrical resistance sensor, for example, measures volume resistance as the electrical resistance of the recording medium in the thickness direction by causing the microcurrent to flow in the thickness direction of the recording medium. Alternatively, for example, the electrical resistance sensormay measure surface resistance as the electrical resistance in a direction along a surface of the recording medium by causing the microcurrent to flow in the direction along the surface of the recording medium.

313 314 315 311 521 50 30 311 4 FIG. The reflective sensormeasures reflected light of the recording medium. More specifically, intensities of specularly reflected light and diffusely reflected light on the surface of the recording medium are measured. The transmissive sensormeasures an intensity of transmitted light of the recording medium. The RGB sensormeasures the intensity of the reflected light from the recording medium for each of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). Measurement values that are measurement results of these sensors are examples of information related to the physical property of the recording medium. The information related to the physical property of the recording medium may include, in addition to the measurement values, information on the physical property of the recording medium calculated from the measurement values. For example, in the present exemplary embodiment, the measurement value of the ultrasonic sensoris converted into a basis weight of the recording medium by a basis weight conversion unit(see) of the server apparatus(described later). However, the medium measuring devicemay calculate the basis weight of the recording medium from the measurement value of the ultrasonic sensor. The basis weight of the recording medium is an example of the physical property of the recording medium. That is, examples of the information related to the physical property of the recording medium include an electrical characteristic such as the electrical resistance of the recording medium, a physical characteristic such as the basis weight, and other characteristics such as the reflected light, the transmitted light, and color.

30 310 50 50 1 FIG. The medium measuring deviceoutputs values obtained by measuring the physical property of the recording medium via each sensor of the sensor unitto the server apparatus(see) as the measurement values. For example, in a case where the electrical resistance of the recording medium is measured, a value in Ω units is output to the server apparatusas the measurement value.

4 FIG. 50 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the server apparatus.

50 510 520 530 540 550 560 570 The server apparatusincludes a transmission and reception unit, a characteristic calculation unit, a parameter calculation unit, a storage control unit, an information group search unit, an information group generation unit, and a progress display control unit.

510 10 30 55 510 310 30 30 510 30 510 10 10 1 FIG. 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 3 FIG. The transmission and reception unitis connected to the printing apparatus(see) and the medium measuring device(see) using the network interface(see) and transmits and receives various types of information. The transmission and reception unitreceives the measurement values measured by the sensor unit(see) of the medium measuring devicefrom the medium measuring device. The transmission and reception unitreceives, from the medium measuring device, a start signal indicating that the measurement is started, and a finish signal indicating that the measurement is finished. The transmission and reception unitreceives an instruction of the user from the printing apparatusand transmits various types of information corresponding to the instruction of the user to the printing apparatus.

520 520 30 The characteristic calculation unitcalculates the characteristic of the recording medium using the information related to the physical property of the recording medium. In the present exemplary embodiment, the characteristic calculation unitcalculates characteristic information of the recording medium using the measurement values acquired by receiving the measurement values from the medium measuring device. Here, the calculation may include not only calculating a value of the characteristic information of the recording medium by performing elementary arithmetic on the measurement values, but also performing analysis based on an artificial intelligence using the trained machine learning model.

15 10 30 520 30 30 15 In the present exemplary embodiment, the characteristic information of the recording medium is calculated using a measurement value of the environment sensorof the printing apparatus, in addition to the measurement values acquired from the medium measuring device. A source from which the information related to the physical property of the recording medium used for calculating the characteristic of the recording medium via the characteristic calculation unitis acquired is not particularly limited, and the information related to the physical property of the recording medium may be acquired from a database in which the information related to the physical property of the recording medium is stored. For example, the information related to the physical property of the recording medium may be stored in advance in association with a product name, a product number, and the like of the recording medium. In this case, the characteristic of the recording medium may be calculated using the information related to the physical property of the recording medium associated with the product name, the product number, and the like of the recording medium. Alternatively, for example, the measurement values may be acquired from a history of past measurement performed by the medium measuring device, and the characteristic of the recording medium may be calculated using the past measurement values of the medium measuring deviceand the current measurement value of the environment sensor.

Here, the characteristic information is information on the recording medium derived from the physical property of the recording medium. Examples of the characteristic information include a type of the recording medium, presence or absence of a coating, the basis weight of the recording medium, and the color of the paper sheet. The type of the recording medium is a category in which the recording media are divided by a material, such as plain paper, embossed paper, and a film.

520 521 522 523 524 The characteristic calculation unitincludes the basis weight conversion unit, a paper type determination unit, a coating determination unit, and a paper sheet color determination unit.

521 311 521 311 522 314 522 314 523 313 523 313 315 The basis weight conversion unitconverts the basis weight using at least the measurement value of the ultrasonic sensor. The basis weight conversion unitmay convert the basis weight further using the measurement value of the ultrasonic sensor. The paper type determination unitestimates light transmittance of the recording medium using at least the measurement value of the transmissive sensorand, for example, distinguishes between embossed paper and plain paper. The paper type determination unitmay further perform determination related to a paper type using the measurement values of the sensors other than the transmissive sensor. The coating determination unit, for example, determines the presence or absence of the coating from the intensities of the specularly reflected light and the diffusely reflected light on the surface of the recording medium using at least the measurement value of the reflective sensor. The coating determination unitmay further perform determination related to the coating using the measurement values of the sensors other than the reflective sensor. For example, a type of coating such as a matte coating or a cast coating may be determined. The paper sheet color determination unit 524 determines a paper sheet color (the color of the recording medium) using the measurement value of the RGB sensor.

530 30 530 531 531 30 531 530 530 The parameter calculation unitcalculates the printing parameter using the measurement values acquired from the medium measuring device. The parameter calculation unitincludes a transfer adjustment value calculation unit. The transfer adjustment value calculation unitcalculates a transfer voltage using at least the measurement value of the electrical resistance of the recording medium acquired from the medium measuring device. In calculating the transfer voltage, the transfer adjustment value calculation unitmay further use other measurement values for the calculation. The printing parameter calculated by the parameter calculation unitis not limited to the transfer voltage. For example, a fixing temperature setting value for fixing a coloring material image to the recording medium, a transfer output, a fixing drying temperature, and the like may be calculated. The parameter calculation unitmay perform analysis or the like based on the artificial intelligence using the trained machine learning model.

540 54 50 The storage control unitadds the medium information group to the medium characteristic list in which the medium information group is collected, or changes content of the medium information group included in the medium characteristic list. In the present exemplary embodiment, the medium characteristic list is stored in the information storage deviceof the server apparatus. In the medium information group, a "name" for identifying the medium information, the "characteristic of the recording medium", and the "printing parameter" created as printing quality intended by the user are stored in association with each other. Examples of the "printing parameter" include an alignment roll load, a transfer nip load, the transfer output, the fixing drying temperature, a fixing nip temperature, air assist for the paper sheet trays, registration/alignment adjustment, curl correction, and a print speed. The medium information group may include a comment or the like input by the user.

540 54 50 10 10 10 The storage control unitstores a standard list in the information storage deviceof the server apparatus. Here, the standard list is, for example, a list of medium information groups created by a manufacturer in manufacturing the printing apparatus. In general, the printing parameter stored in the standard list is not set to the printing parameter corresponding to status of use in which the user uses the printing apparatus. For example, the printing parameter may be corrected in accordance with a temperature or humidity of a place in which the printing apparatusis disposed, and a value of the printing parameter may be corrected in accordance with the printing quality intended by the user. The medium information group specific to the user is registered in the medium characteristic list in accordance with the status of the user.

550 30 The information group search unitsearches for the registered medium information group using the medium information group created by measuring the recording medium via the medium measuring device.

30 520 530 More specifically, a new recording medium is measured by the medium measuring device, and a matching ratio with respect to the medium information group registered in the medium characteristic list is calculated using the characteristic information calculated by the characteristic calculation unitand the printing parameter calculated by the parameter calculation unit. The medium information group having a high matching ratio is displayed to the user as a search result. Here, the number of medium information groups displayed to the user as the search result may be only one of the medium information groups having the highest matching ratio, or a plurality of medium information groups may be displayed to the user in a descending order of the matching ratio.

30 30 30 In comparing the characteristic information of the new recording medium measured by the medium measuring devicewith the printing parameter, all pieces of the calculated characteristic information and all calculated printing parameters may be used for the comparison. In comparing the characteristic information of the new recording medium measured by the medium measuring devicewith the printing parameter, a part of the calculated characteristic information and a part of the printing parameters may be used for the comparison. In comparing the characteristic information of the new recording medium measured by the medium measuring devicewith the printing parameter, the comparison may be performed with only the calculated characteristic information, or the comparison may be performed with only the calculated printing parameter. An item of which a value is frequently changed depending on preference of the user may not be used as an item to be compared. For example, in a case where a search is performed using an item of which a numerical value is frequently changed depending on the preference of the user, a search result appropriate for other users may not be obtained. That is, a parameter value to be used for the comparison and a parameter value not to be used for the comparison may be determined in advance among the printing parameters. In performing the comparison, the comparison may be performed using not only the calculated characteristic information and the calculated printing parameter but also the measurement values used for the calculation.

560 520 530 560 The information group generation unitcreates the medium information group using the characteristic information and the printing parameter calculated by the characteristic calculation unitand the parameter calculation unit. The information group generation unitacquires the medium information group having a high matching ratio with respect to the calculated characteristic information and the calculated printing parameter by copying the medium information group from the standard list. A new medium information group is obtained by overwriting the acquired medium information group with the calculated characteristic information and the calculated printing parameter.

560 The information group generation unitmay acquire the medium information group having a high matching ratio with respect to the calculated characteristic information and the calculated printing parameter by copying the medium information group from the medium characteristic list. In this case, a new medium information group is obtained by overwriting the acquired medium information group with the calculated characteristic information and the calculated printing parameter.

570 730 14 730 30 520 530 570 730 30 510 10 FIG. The progress display control unitgenerates a progress screen(see) displayed on the display and operation unit. The progress screendisplays a progress from the start of the measurement by the medium measuring deviceto the finish of the calculation of the characteristic information and the printing parameter by the characteristic calculation unitand the parameter calculation unit. More specifically, the progress display control unitdisplays the progress screenin response to reception of the start signal from the medium measuring deviceby the transmission and reception unit.

30 In displaying pseudo progress status, predetermined items are displayed to be arranged, and each predetermined item is displayed in a highlighted manner in order. Hereinafter, the predetermined items for displaying the pseudo progress status may be referred to as pseudo items. The pseudo items are not particularly limited. For example, an item determined based on the measurement values output from the medium measuring devicecan be used.

30 30 30 Here, for example, information related to the characteristic of the recording medium calculated based on the measurement values of the medium measuring deviceis an example of the item determined based on the measurement values output from the medium measuring device. More specifically, "type", "coating", "color", and "basis weight" are examples of the information related to the characteristic of the recording medium calculated based on the measurement values of the medium measuring device.

30 30 30 Alternatively, here, for example, the printing parameter calculated based on the measurement values of the medium measuring deviceis an example of the item determined based on the measurement values output from the medium measuring device. More specifically, for example, "transfer output adjustment value" is an example of the printing parameter calculated based on the measurement values of the medium measuring device.

Examples of a method of displaying the predetermined items in a highlighted manner in order include displaying one pseudo item while causing the pseudo item to flash, or displaying one pseudo item in a different color. By displaying each pseudo item in a highlighted manner, a display that looks as though processing of the pseudo item is being performed is displayed. Examples of the method of displaying the pseudo items in a highlighted manner also include a method of displaying a progress bar in association with the pseudo items. Examples of the method of displaying the pseudo items in a highlighted manner also include a method of displaying a display showing that processing is being performed by rotating a cursor in association with the pseudo items.

730 The progress screendisplays a pseudo progress over a predetermined time. Then, a display showing that calculation is being performed is displayed, and a display showing that the calculation is finished is displayed in accordance with the actual finish of the calculation.

1 1 The predetermined time for displaying the pseudo progress is set by, for example, a manager who manages the information group creation system. A length of a time for the highlighted display for each item can be set to a time obtained by dividing the predetermined time by the number of pseudo items. Alternatively, for example, the length of the time for the highlighted display may be different for each pseudo item, or for example, the manager who manages the information group creation systemmay determine the length of the time for the highlighted display in advance for each pseudo item.

A display showing that the highlighted display is completed is displayed in association with the pseudo item of which the highlighted display is completed. Hereinafter, the display showing that the highlighted display is completed may be referred to as a completion display. A shape of the completion display is not particularly limited. For example, a circular or quadrangular symbol or a check mark can be used.

30 Alternatively, as the length of the time for displaying the pseudo progress, for example, a history of past measurement times of the medium measuring devicemay be acquired, and an average time of the measurement times may be used.

520 530 In the present exemplary embodiment, as the display showing the pseudo progress, the characteristic information and the printing parameter calculated by the characteristic calculation unitand the parameter calculation unitare displayed to be arranged. Each item displayed to be arranged is displayed in a highlighted manner in order.

570 30 After the display showing the pseudo progress is displayed, the progress display control unitdisplays the progress status in accordance with the actual measurement status of the medium measuring device. As the display of the progress status in accordance with the actual measurement status, a predetermined item is displayed, and a length of highlighted display of the predetermined item is changed in accordance with the actual measurement time. Hereinafter, the predetermined item used for displaying the progress status corresponding to the actual measurement status may be referred to as a changing item.

Examples of changing the length of the highlighted display in accordance with the actual measurement time include changing the length of the highlighted display in accordance with a time in which calculation processing that changes in accordance with the actual measurement time is finished.

10 FIG. 520 530 In the present exemplary embodiment, as the changing item, an item "AI analysis processing" (see) indicating that the characteristic calculation unitand the parameter calculation unitperform analysis based on the artificial intelligence is used as the changing item.

5 FIG. 310 15 is a diagram for describing an example of a flow of calculating the characteristic information of the recording medium and the printing parameter from the measurement values measured by the sensor unitand the environment sensor.

521 311 521 520 530 As illustrated, the basis weight conversion unitconverts the measurement value of the ultrasonic sensorinto a basis weight. The basis weight converted by the basis weight conversion unitis output as the characteristic information and is used as input values of the characteristic calculation unitand the parameter calculation unit.

522 521 312 313 314 315 15 522 The paper type determination unitreceives input of the basis weight converted by the basis weight conversion unit, the measurement value of the electrical resistance sensor, the measurement value of the reflective sensor, the measurement value of the transmissive sensor, the measurement value of the RGB sensor, and the measurement value of the environment sensor. The paper type determination unitoutputs the type of the recording medium from the input values.

523 521 312 313 314 315 15 523 The coating determination unitreceives input of the basis weight converted by the basis weight conversion unit, the measurement value of the electrical resistance sensor, the measurement value of the reflective sensor, the measurement value of the transmissive sensor, the measurement value of the RGB sensor, and the measurement value of the environment sensor. The coating determination unitdetermines and outputs the presence or absence of the coating from the input values.

524 315 The paper sheet color determination unitreceives input of the value of the RGB sensorand outputs the paper sheet color.

531 521 312 313 314 315 15 531 The transfer adjustment value calculation unitreceives input of the basis weight converted by the basis weight conversion unit, the measurement value of the electrical resistance sensor, the measurement value of the reflective sensor, the measurement value of the transmissive sensor, the measurement value of the RGB sensor, and the measurement value of the environment sensor. The transfer adjustment value calculation unitoutputs a transfer adjustment value using the input basis weight and the input measurement values.

6 FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing in a case where a new medium information group is created using the medium measuring device.

510 50 201 510 30 202 30 202 202 30 30 202 520 203 530 204 50 100 10 205 50 14 206 50 s 54 207 2 FIG. First, in a case where the transmission and reception unitof the server apparatusreceives an instruction to newly create the medium information group from the user (step S), the transmission and reception unitdetermines whether or not the measurement values are received from the medium measuring device(step S). In a case where the measurement values are not received from the medium measuring device(NO in step S), the processing returns to step S, and whether or not the measurement values are received from the medium measuring deviceis determined again. In a case where the measurement values are received from the medium measuring device(YES in step S), the characteristic calculation unitcalculates the characteristic information of the recording medium using the acquired measurement values (step S). The parameter calculation unitcalculates the printing parameter using the acquired measurement values (step S). The server apparatustransmits the calculated characteristic information of the recording medium and the calculated printing parameter to the control unitof the printing apparatus(step S). The server apparatusreceives an instruction to register the new medium information group from the user via the display and operation unit(step S). The server apparatustores the calculated characteristic information of the recording medium and the calculated printing parameter in the information storage device(see) in association with each other as the new medium information group (step S) and finishes the processing.

The characteristic information used here is, for example, information indicating the characteristic of the recording medium such as a size of the recording medium, the type (material) of the recording medium, the presence or absence of the coating, the number of sheets in one set, presence or absence of a punch hole, the color of the recording medium, and the basis weight of the recording medium.

4 5 4 5 Examples of the size of the recording medium include sizes determined by the JIS standard, such as Asize, Asize, Bsize, and Bsize. Examples of the type of the recording medium include plain paper, coated paper obtained by coating a surface of plain paper with a resin or the like, thick paper having a larger basis weight than plain paper, thin paper having a smaller basis weight than plain paper, and an OHP film. The number of sheets in one set is information indicating the number of sheets in one set in the recording medium of which one set includes a plurality of sheets. The presence or absence of the punch hole is information indicating whether or not a punch hole is made on the recording medium. Various colors such as yellow, blue, and black other than white can be used as the color of the recording medium.

7 FIG. is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of controlling display of a progress screen.

510 211 570 212 570 213 In a case where the transmission and reception unitacquires the start signal (step S), the progress display control unitdisplays the progress screen (step S). The progress display control unitdisplays, in a highlighted manner, the pseudo item disposed uppermost among the pseudo items for which the completion display is not displayed (step S).

570 214 214 214 214 215 216 216 213 The progress display control unitdetermines whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed for each pseudo item (step S). In a case where the time for pseudo display for each item has not elapsed (NO in step S), the processing returns to step Sagain, and whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed is determined for each pseudo item. In a case where the predetermined time has elapsed for each pseudo item (YES in step S), the highlighted display of the pseudo item is finished, and the completion display is displayed in association with the pseudo item (step S). Whether or not a pseudo item for which the completion display is not displayed in association with the pseudo item is present is determined (step S). In a case where the pseudo item for which the completion display is not displayed in association with the pseudo item is present (YES in step S), the processing returns to step S, and the pseudo item disposed uppermost among the pseudo items for which the completion display is not displayed is displayed in a highlighted manner.

216 217 570 218 In a case where the pseudo item for which the completion display is not displayed in association with the pseudo item is not present in step S, the changing item is displayed in a highlighted manner (step S). The progress display control unitdetermines whether or not the minimum display time has elapsed (step S). Here, the minimum display time is a length of time determined in advance as a time for performing at least the display showing that the calculation processing is being performed. Considering quickness of work, the minimum display time may be set to 0 seconds.

218 218 570 219 219 219 219 In a case where the minimum display time has not elapsed, the processing returns to step Sagain, and whether or not the minimum display time has elapsed is determined. In a case where the minimum display time has elapsed (YES in step S), the progress display control unitdetermines whether or not the calculation is finished (step S). In a case where the calculation is not finished (NO in step S), the processing returns to step Sagain, and whether or not the calculation is finished is determined. In a case where the calculation is finished (YES in step S), the highlighted display of the changing item is finished, the completion display is displayed in association with the changing item, and the processing is finished.

8 FIG. 710 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list display screenfor displaying the standard list and the medium characteristic list.

711 711 5 6 5 5 100 In the illustrated example, the medium information groups registered in the standard list are displayed in a profile display regionin which the medium information groups are listed. In the illustrated example, the profile display regionshows six medium information groups having names "A", "A", "JS", "AAA", "BBB", and "CCC". In addition, "size", "type", "coating", "number of sheets in one set", "punch hole", "color", and "basis weight" are displayed in association with the name as items registered in the medium information group. Specifically, for the medium information group of which "name" is "A", "A" is displayed as the "size", "plain paper" is displayed as "type", "non-coated paper" is displayed as "coating", "not designated" is displayed as "number of sheets in one set", "no" is displayed as "punch hole", "white" is displayed as "color", and "" is displayed as "basis weight".

712 5 6 The medium information groups registered in the medium characteristic list are displayed in a medium characteristic list display regionin which the medium information groups are listed. In the illustrated example, the medium information groups having names "A", "A", "JS", "DDD", "EEE", and "FFF" are displayed. While the same name is used as the name of the medium information group between the standard list and the medium characteristic list in the illustrated example, use of the same name may be prevented.

5 5 95 In the illustrated example, "size", "type", "coating", "number of sheets in one set", "punch hole", "color", "basis weight", "medium measurement", and "update date and time" are displayed in association with the "name". Specifically, in the medium characteristic list of which "name" is "A", "A" is displayed as "size", "plain paper" is displayed as "type", "non-coated paper" is displayed as "coating", "not designated" is displayed as "number of sheets in one set", "no" is displayed as "punch hole", "white" is displayed as "color", and "" is displayed as "basis weight". The displayed characteristic information is not limited to the illustrated example, and other characteristics may be displayed.

In the illustrated example, "medium measurement" and "update date and time" are displayed as items of the medium information group displayed in the medium characteristic list, in addition to the items displayed in the above standard list.

30 30 30 Here, a field of "medium measurement" is a field showing whether or not the medium information group is created using the medium measuring deviceand displays a value of "not measured" or "measured". Here, the medium information group with which "not measured" is associated indicates that the medium information group is registered without using the medium measuring device. The medium information group associated with "measured" indicates that the medium information group is created using the medium measuring device.

5 In addition, "update date and time" indicates a date and time when the medium information group is created or updated. In the illustrated example, in the medium information group of which "name" is "A", "not measured" is shown as "medium measurement", and "2025/1/6 10:10" is shown as "update date and time".

713 710 713 720 A new creation markwith which the user provides an instruction to create a new medium information group is displayed on the list display screen. In a case where the new creation markis touched, a transition is made to a medium characteristic input screen(described later).

714 715 30 710 715 550 715 30 30 A search boxfor searching for a name of a profile and a medium search boxfor searching for performing a search using the medium measuring deviceare displayed on the list display screen. The medium search boxis used to perform a search using the information group search unitis performed. Thus, in a case where the medium search boxis touched, a display prompting an operation of the medium measuring deviceis displayed. In a case where the user measures the medium using the medium measuring device, the medium information group having a high matching ratio with respect to the measured medium is displayed as a search result.

9 FIG. 720 721 720 722 720 722 722 722 is a diagram illustrating an example of the medium characteristic input screendisplayed in creating a new medium characteristic list. A text boxfor inputting a name of the new created medium characteristic list is displayed on the medium characteristic input screen. A plurality of input unitsfor inputting medium characteristics are displayed on the medium characteristic input screen. Text information indicating items of the characteristics input by the input unitsis displayed in association with the input units. A method for inputting the medium characteristics into the input unitsis not particularly limited. Examples of the method include a method of displaying options using a pull-down method and making a selection, a method of inputting a numerical value, and a method of making a selection using a radio button.

720 723 750 723 750 13 FIG. The medium characteristic input screenincludes a transition buttonfor transitioning to a printing parameter input screen(see) for inputting the printing parameter. The transition buttonis displayed as "advanced setting". The printing parameter input screenwill be described later.

724 720 724 724 724 724 A sentence input fieldfor the user to input text information is provided on the medium characteristic input screen. The sentence input fieldis a field in which the user can freely provide input, and a text "comment" is displayed in association with the sentence input fieldnear the sentence input field. Content input into the sentence input fieldis not particularly limited.

726 726 30 720 726 726 726 30 30 30 726 30 a b a b a b 1 FIG. A buttonand a buttonthat are buttons for determining to create the medium characteristic list using the medium measuring device(see) are displayed on the medium characteristic input screen. The buttonis displayed as "medium measurement", and the buttonis displayed as "medium measurement (start immediately)". In a case where the buttonis selected, a screen (not illustrated) showing a method of using the medium measuring deviceis displayed. The user measures the recording medium by operating the medium measuring devicewith reference to the screen showing the method of using the medium measuring device. In a case where the buttonis selected, the measurement of the recording medium by the medium measuring deviceis immediately started.

725 720 725 725 50 A determination buttonfor determining to register the medium characteristic list is displayed on the medium characteristic input screen. The determination buttonis displayed as "determination". In a case where the determination buttonis selected, the server apparatusregisters the input medium information group in the medium characteristic list.

10 FIG. 730 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of the progress screendisplayed in a case where the medium measuring devicemeasures the recording medium.

30 50 730 730 A sentence indicating that the measurement by the medium measuring deviceand the AI analysis processing by the server apparatusare being performed is displayed on the progress screen. More specifically, as illustrated, "Measurement and AI analysis processing are being performed for the type, the coating, the color, the basis weight, and the transfer adjustment value of the medium. Please wait until the measurement is completed." is displayed in an upper portion in the progress screen.

731 730 732 730 A plurality of pseudo itemsdisplayed as each of "type", "coating", "color", "basis weight", and "transfer adjustment value" are displayed on the progress screen. A changing itemdisplayed as "AI analysis processing" is displayed on the progress screen.

733 731 732 In the illustrated example, a completion displayis displayed in association with the pseudo items. In the illustrated example, the changing itemdisplayed as "AI analysis processing" is displayed in a highlighted manner with a double underline.

11 FIG. 730 is a diagram illustrating an example of the progress screenin a case where the calculation is finished.

730 11 FIG. 7 FIG. The progress screenillustrated inshows a state where the highlighted display of the changing item is finished in, the completion display is displayed in association with the changing item, and a finish button is displayed.

730 732 733 732 730 730 734 730 734 730 740 11 FIG. 10 FIG. 11 FIG. 10 FIG. 12 FIG. On the progress screenillustrated in, the highlighted display of the changing itemdisplayed as "AI analysis processing" is finished, and the completion displayis displayed in association with the changing item, compared to the progress screenillustrated in. In addition, on the progress screenillustrated in, a display finish buttonis displayed, compared to the progress screenillustrated in. In a case where the display finish buttonis selected, the display of the progress screenis finished, and a result screen(see) is displayed.

734 733 732 730 740 733 The display finish buttonmay not be displayed. In this case, for example, in a case where a predetermined time elapses after the completion displayis displayed in association with the changing itemdisplayed as "AI analysis processing", the progress screenmay automatically transition to the result screen. Here, the predetermined time can be set as, for example, a time (for example, 1 second or 2 seconds) in which the user can recognize the completion displayassociated with "AI analysis processing".

12 FIG. 740 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a result screenshowing the measurement results of the medium measuring device.

740 30 740 30 741 150 160 The result screenis displayed after the calculation of the characteristic information and the calculation of the printing parameter using the measurement values provided by the medium measuring deviceare completed. The result screendisplays the characteristic information of the recording medium and the printing parameter calculated using the measurement values provided by the medium measuring device. In the illustrated example, three measurement results are displayed in a measurement result display field. Each measurement result displays the characteristic information of the recording medium and the printing parameter in association with "No." indicating a number for distinguishing the result. In the illustrated example, "type", "coating", "color", and "basis weight" are displayed as the characteristic information of the recording medium. In the illustrated example, "transfer adjustment" is displayed as the printing parameter. Specifically, in the measurement result of which "No." is "1", "plain paper" is displayed as "type", "matte coated paper" is displayed as "coating", "white" is displayed as "color", "" is displayed as "basis weight", and "" is displayed as "transfer adjustment".

741 742 742 In the measurement result display field, a frameindicating which measurement result is selected among the displayed measurement results is displayed. The user selects the measurement result by touching a region in which the measurement result is displayed. The framemoves to surround the selected measurement result.

741 An item of the characteristic of the recording medium displayed in the measurement result display fieldand an item of the printing parameter to be displayed are not particularly limited, and other items may be displayed.

743 740 743 743 A supplementis displayed in a center portion of the result screen. In the supplement, for example, information determined in advance based on the characteristic of the recording medium is displayed. For example, information for recommending a type of ink toner corresponding to the type of the recording medium is displayed. In addition, for example, whether or not the printing can be performed in accordance with the basis weight of the recording medium is displayed. In the illustrated example, "This medium has a large basis weight, so printing may not be normally performed." and "This medium may cause unevenness/a decrease in density, and use of special color toner A is recommended." are displayed in the supplement.

744 740 744 750 13 FIG. A determination buttonfor determining the selection of the measurement result is displayed in the lower portion of the result screen. In a case where the determination buttonis touched by the user, the display screen transitions to a printing parameter input screen(see).

13 FIG. 750 is an example of the printing parameter input screen.

750 740 12 FIG. The illustrated example shows an example of the printing parameter input screento which a transition is made after selecting and determining the measurement result of which the number of the measurement result is 1 on the result screenillustrated in.

750 751 160 751 50 12 FIG. On the printing parameter input screen, a plurality of input fields for inputting the printing parameter are displayed together with a display showing the item of the printing parameter. In the illustrated example, a numerical value is automatically input into a numerical value input boxfor transfer output adjustment. More specifically, "" is automatically input into the numerical value input box. This numerical value is the transfer output adjustment value calculated by the server apparatusbased on the measurement result illustrated in.

14 FIG. is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of update and registration processing of updating the registered medium information group.

401 50 14 402 In a case where the medium information group is selected from the user (step S), the server apparatusdisplays the selected medium information group on the display and operation unit(step S). Here, the selected medium information group is selected from the medium information groups stored in the standard list or the medium information groups stored in the medium characteristic list.

30 403 50 30 404 30 404 404 30 30 404 50 405 406 In a case where an instruction to update the medium information group using the medium measuring deviceis received from the user (step S), the server apparatusdetermines whether or not the measurement values are received from the medium measuring device(step S). In a case where the measurement values are not received from the medium measuring device(NO in step S), the processing returns to step Sagain, and whether or not the measurement values are received from the medium measuring deviceis determined. In a case where the measurement values are received from the medium measuring device(YES in step S), the server apparatuscalculates the characteristic information using the acquired measurement values (step S) and calculates the printing parameter using the acquired measurement values (step S).

50 407 The server apparatusoverwrites the medium information group with the calculated characteristic information and the calculated printing parameter (step S). In this case, an item of the printing parameter that may be overwritten and an item of the printing parameter not to be overwritten may be determined in advance. In other words, the printing parameter to be changed and the printing parameter not to be changed may be determined in advance. For example, the printing parameter of which a setting is not changed by the user can be determined as the printing parameter not to be changed.

14 408 409 409 410 401 An image displaying the medium information group after the change together with the medium information group before the change is displayed on the display and operation unit(step S). The server apparatus 50 determines whether or not an update or cancel instruction is received from the user (step S). In a case where the update instruction is received in step S, the medium information group registered in the medium characteristic list is updated to the medium information group after the change (step S), and the processing is finished. In a case where the medium information group registered in the standard list is selected in step S, the medium characteristic list in the standard list is not changed, and the medium information group after the change is newly registered in the medium characteristic list.

409 411 In a case where the cancel instruction is received in step S, the medium information group registered in the medium characteristic list is not changed (step S), and the processing is finished.

30 In the update and registration processing, the medium information group is acquired, the medium information group is changed using the measurement values acquired from the medium measuring device, and in a case where the update instruction is received from the user, the medium information group is updated.

15 FIG. 740 30 is a diagram illustrating another example of the result screenshowing the measurement result of the medium measuring device.

15 FIG. 14 FIG. 408 is an example of the image displayed in step Sof.

740 745 745 745 12 10 15 FIG. On the result screenillustrated in, a recommendation displayfor recommending an update to a new medium information group is displayed. The recommendation displayis displayed as "Time has passed since the previous registration, so an update to the current measured new profile is recommended.". The recommendation displayis displayed in a case where a predetermined difference or more is present between the medium information group before the update and registration and the medium information group using the newly measured measurement values. The predetermined difference or more is, for example, an elapse of a predetermined time from the previous registration time or update time. Alternatively, the predetermined difference or more is, for example, a difference greater than or equal to a predetermined value in an item determined in advance among the items of the medium information group. Here, examples of the item determined in advance include the characteristic information that easily changes depending on the environment, and the printing parameter that easily changes depending on the environment. Here, the characteristic information that easily changes depending on the environment is, for example, the electrical resistance of the recording medium. The printing parameter that easily changes depending on the environment is, for example, a transfer temperature and the transfer adjustment value. For example, in a case where the recording medium in an open state from a sealed state is stored in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, the electrical resistance of the recording medium is decreased, and the basis weight of the recording medium is increased after a certain period elapses immediately after opening, compared to the recording medium immediately after opening. Accordingly, in a case where the printing unitof the printing apparatusperforms electrostatic transfer to the recording medium, for example, different transfer voltages are used, compared to the recording medium immediately after opening.

740 746 741 746 15 FIG. On the result screenillustrated in, pre-change information 746 indicating the content of the medium information group before the change is displayed. In the illustrated example, "type", "coating", "color", "basis weight", and "transfer adjustment" are displayed in the pre-change information. The user selects the medium information group displayed in the measurement result display fieldwith reference to the pre-change information.

746 741 746 Items displayed in the pre-change informationare not particularly limited. For example, items having a predetermined difference or more may be preferentially displayed, compared to the medium information group in the measurement result display field. Alternatively, Items determined in advance by the user may be set to be displayed as the items displayed in the pre-change information.

740 747 748 747 409 748 409 14 FIG. 14 FIG. On the result screen, a determination buttonfor updating the medium information group and a cancel buttonfor not updating the medium information group are displayed. Selection of the determination buttoncorresponds to the reception of the update instruction in step Sof. Selection of the cancel buttoncorresponds to the reception of the cancel instruction in step Sof.

In the exemplary embodiments, the processes are performed by any computer. The computer may perform the processes by using a processor serving as hardware, a program serving as software, or combination of these. In this case, the processor is configured to perform the processes in the exemplary embodiments in cooperation with the program and may function as a unit or a means in the exemplary embodiments. The order in which the processor performs the processes is not limited to the described order and may be changed appropriately. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, an application specific computer, a workstation, or another system capable of performing the processes.

The processor may be composed of one or more pieces of hardware, and the type of the hardware is not limited. For example, the processor may be composed of hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a programmable logic device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a dedicated circuit for performing specific processing such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a neural processing unit (NPU). Regarding the type of the hardware, different types of hardware may be combined. If multiple pieces of hardware are configured to perform one or more processes of the processor, the multiple pieces of hardware may be present in apparatuses physically away from each other or may be present in one apparatus. In each of exemplary embodiments, the order in which the processor performs the processes is not limited to the order described above and may be changed appropriately. The hardware is composed of electric circuitry in which circuit elements such as semiconductor devices are combined, or the like.

Further, the program may be software such as firmware or microcode. The program may be, for example, a program module group, and the functions thereof may be implemented by processors configured to implement the respective functions. The program may be program code or multiple code segments stored in one or more non-transitory computer readable media (for example, a storage medium or another storage). The program may be stored in such a divided manner in multiple non-transitory computer readable media present in apparatuses physically away from each other. The program code or the code segments may represent a procedure, a function, a sub program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. The program code or the code segment may be connected to another code segment or a hardware circuit by transmitting and/or receiving information, data, an argument, a parameter, or memory content.

(((1)))

An information processing apparatus comprising:

a processor configured to execute:

a control of displaying pseudo progress status related to measurement of a recording medium by a medium measuring device regardless of actual progress of measurement of the recording medium by the medium measuring device; and

a control of displaying, then, progress status in accordance with actual measurement status of the medium measuring device.

(((2)))

The information processing apparatus according to (((1))),

wherein in the display of the pseudo progress status, items determined based on a measurement value output from the medium measuring device are displayed in a highlighted manner in order.

(((3)))

The information processing apparatus according to (((2))),

wherein the items determined based on the measurement value are information related to a characteristic of the recording medium.

(((4)))

The information processing apparatus according to (((2))) or (((3))),

wherein the items determined based on the measurement value are items of control information for controlling image forming on the recording medium.

(((5)))

The information processing apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))),

wherein in the progress status displayed in accordance with the actual measurement status of the medium measuring device, a predetermined item is displayed in a highlighted manner in accordance with the actual measurement status after the pseudo progress status is displayed.

(((6)))

The information processing apparatus according to (((5))),

wherein in the highlighted display of the predetermined item, a pseudo display showing that processing related to the item is being performed is displayed.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.